Can I prune leggy stems?

Yes, cutting back long stems will encourage the plant to branch out and become fuller. Use clean, sharp shears.

Is partial shade okay?

It can handle partial shade, but it will be much happier and more compact in full sun. If it gets leggy, move it to a brighter area.

Why is my water smartweed looking leggy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Evaluate how many hours of direct sun the plant gets.
Check if nearby plants are shading your smartweed.
Look for signs of leaning toward the light.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are thin and stretched out, and the plant is leaning heavily toward the light source. It may also have fewer leaves than usual.
What to do: Move the plant to a location with more direct sun. It prefers full sun to partial shade to stay compact and strong.
Crowding
Possible
How to tell: The plant is growing tall and thin because it is competing with other plants for light. The lower leaves may turn yellow from lack of sun.
What to do: Thin out surrounding plants to give your smartweed more space. Ensure it has at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your water smartweed

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the stems become so weak they cannot support themselves, you should act quickly. It is normal for the plant to grow taller as the season progresses.

Stopping it coming back

Place your plant in a sunny spot from the start. Prune back long stems in mid summer to encourage bushier growth.

Water smartweed: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your water smartweed and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I prune leggy stems?: Yes, cutting back long stems will encourage the plant to branch out and become fuller. Use clean, sharp shears.
Is partial shade okay?: It can handle partial shade, but it will be much happier and more compact in full sun. If it gets leggy, move it to a brighter area.

Why is my water smartweed looking leggy?